Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has privately confirmed that Victor Osimhen will not be sold under any circumstances, according to 343 Digital, despite Arsenal's interest in the Nigerian striker. The Premier League champions have discussed the possibility of signing Osimhen as Galatasaray work on deals for Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.
Osimhen's Stellar Record in Turkey
The 27-year-old has scored 59 goals in 74 appearances in Turkey since completing a €75 million (£65m) move from Napoli. Osimhen helped Napoli win Serie A in 2023 before playing a crucial role in back-to-back title wins for Galatasaray. He has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League throughout his career and almost joined Chelsea two years ago.
Galatasaray have already demonstrated their desire to keep hold of Osimhen by rejecting a €130 million (£111m) bid from Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal. Ozbek is said to have told his inner circle: 'I will not say yes to any transaction that will harm Galatasaray or not benefit Galatasaray. What I said about Baris Alper Yilmaz, I am now saying even more strongly about Osimhen. No matter how much the price is, I am not selling Osimhen.'
Arsenal's Determination to Sign Osimhen
Turkish outlet Sozcu report that Arsenal and Mikel Arteta remain 'determined' to sign Osimhen and view the Nigerian as 'more accessible' than Julian Alvarez. The Gunners have held long-term interest in Alvarez, but Atletico Madrid reportedly want at least £150m just to consider a summer sale.
Arsenal spent £64m on Viktor Gyokeres last summer, but the Sweden international endured a mixed first season at the Emirates Stadium. The club are also preparing for the Community Shield against Manchester City on Sunday before starting their Premier League title defence against newly-promoted Coventry City.
Osimhen's Future and Champions League Ambitions
The Nigeria international refused to rule out a move away from Galatasaray after the club's first league game of the new season on Friday, saying: 'There are always rumours during the transfer windows. I'll focus on my job. I'm focused on my work. We'll see and think about what comes next then.'
In an exclusive interview with Metro last year, John Obi Mikel claimed Osimhen was keen to join a club capable of winning the Champions League and advised him against a move to the Saudi Pro League. 'I think we want to see him in the Champions League so maybe Arsenal might be the destination. Maybe there is a door open there for Victor,' said Obi Mikel, who was involved in Chelsea's failed bid to sign Osimhen two years ago. 'I've had a few conversations with him. I won't say much about what those conversations were but he is working to make sure he ends up at a top, top European league where he can showcase his talent and compete to win the Champions League.'
Meanwhile, Galatasaray are struggling to convince Arsenal's longest-serving player, Martinelli, to swap the Premier League for the Turkish Super Lig. As well as winning their first league title since 2004 last season, Arteta's side also reached the Champions League final but lost to PSG on penalties.
